Jaw support for a pouch filler

ABSTRACT

A jaw support and a sealing jaw for form, fill and seal machines are provided. In alternative embodiments, the form, fill and seal machines may include a fitment applicator station, a fitment applicator, a fitment heater assembly and a sealing jaw constructed and arranged to form a container and transfer and apply a fitment to the container.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to form, fill and sealmachines. More specifically, the present disclosure relates toimprovements to the form, fill and seal machines.

Form, fill and seal machines are commonly known in the packagingindustry. Form, fill and seal machines are generally made of numerouscomponents that perform separate steps of forming, filling and sealingcontainers with a suitable product such as a food or medical product.Typically, the machine transforms a roll of film into a flexiblecontainer. The machine fills the flexible container with the food ormedical product and seals the container. The machine can further attacha fitment to the flexible container. Nevertheless, conventional form,fill and seal machines contain a number of components that are unstable,wear down easily causing increased down time for repairs and/or are notoptimal in terms of speed, efficiency or energy use.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to form, fill and seal machines andthe individual components that comprise the form, fill and sealmachines. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides afitment applicator station, a fitment applicator, a fitment heaterassembly and a sealing jaw constructed and arranged to form a containerand transfer and apply a fitment to the container.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a jaw supportcomprising a jaw housing. At least one bolt, a spring attached to thebolt and a seal attached to the spring are contained by the jaw housing.The jaw support further includes a compression element such as a back-uprubber. In an embodiment, the back-up rubber has a crown shape having apointed side.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a jaw supportcomprising a jaw housing and an upper series of two or more bolts, aspring attached to each of the bolts and a seal attached to the each ofthe springs and contained by the jaw housing. The jaw support includes amiddle series of back-up rubbers attached to the jaw housing. Inaddition, the jaw support further includes a lower series of two or morebolts, a spring attached to each of the bolts and a seal attached to theeach of the springs and contained by the jaw housing.

In an alternative embodiment, the present disclosure provides a sealingjaw comprising i) a first jaw support comprising a first jaw housing, atleast one bolt, a spring attached to the bolt and a seal attached to thespring contained by the first jaw housing, and a back-up rubber attachedto the second jaw housing, and ii) a second jaw support comprising asecond jaw housing and a heating element attached to the second jawhousing.

In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a fitmentheater assembly comprising a fitment heater block, at least onetemperature probe, and a clamp constructed and arranged to secure thetemperature probe. The temperature probe can be contained with atemperature probe housing. The fitment heater block can further includeat least one heating cartridge. In an embodiment, the fitment heat blockcomprises an extended portion having the shape of a bulls-eye.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a fitmentapplicator station comprising an applicator plate having at least onebushing, an applicator spacer block attached to the applicator plate,and a fitment applicator attached to the applicator spacer block.

In still another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a fitmentapplicator comprising an applicator head plate, an applicator headattached to the applicator head plate, and an applicator head capattached to the applicator head. A vacuum tube can be attached to theapplicator head plate. A fiber optic device can be attached to theapplicator head.

In an alternative embodiment, the present disclosure provides a methodof sealing films. In this embodiment, the method comprises providing asealing jaw comprising i) a first jaw support comprising a first jawhousing, at least one bolt, a spring attached to the bolt and a sealattached to the spring contained by the first jaw housing, and a back-uprubber attached to the second jaw housing, and ii) a second jaw supportcomprising a second jaw housing and a heating element attached to thesecond jaw housing. At least two films are inserted between the firstjaw support and the second jaw support. The first jaw support is pressedagainst the second jaw support to form a seal between the two films. Thesecond jaw support is sufficiently heated by the heating element to weldthe two films together to form a seam or seal.

In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method ofapplying a fitment to a film. The method comprises providing a fitmentapplicator station comprising an applicator plate having at least onebushing, an applicator spacer block attached to the applicator plate,and a fitment applicator attached to the applicator spacer block, thefitment applicator having a fitment. The method further comprisesproviding a fitment heater assembly comprising a fitment heater block,at least one temperature probe, and a clamp constructed and arranged tosecure the temperature probe. A film is placed between the fitmentapplicator station and the fitment heater assembly. The fitment ispressed into the film and the fitment heater block by the fitmentapplicator. The fitment heater block is heated so that the fitmentbecause fixedly attached to the film.

An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improvedapparatus for forming, filling and sealing containers.

Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improvedapparatus for sealing the edges (e.g., horizontal) of a container.

Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide animproved apparatus for placing a fitment onto a container.

Still another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide animproved apparatus for transporting a fitment from a storage location toa fitment applicator station.

Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improvedapparatus for loading a fitment onto a fitment indexer.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will beapparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a sealing jaw in an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate side views of a sealing jaw in differentpositions in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a back-up rubber in an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of an upper clamping bracket in anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of a lower clamping bracket in anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of a clamping bracket and fitment heaterblock assembly in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D illustrates a rear view of a clamping bracket and fitment heaterblock assembly in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a fitment heater block inan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a temperature probe or thermocouple inan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of fitment transferframework in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded front perspective view of a fitmentapplication station in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of an applicator head plateassembly in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded front perspective view of a fitmentindexer in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of a pick-up pin nipple anda vacuum nozzle assembly in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A illustrates a front perspective view of an attachment supportin an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B illustrates a front perspective view of a bracket in anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded front perspective view of a feedconveyor system and indexing device in an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front perspective view of a fitment rail assemblydetail in another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to form, fill and seal machines andthe individual components that make up the form, fill and seal machines.In alternative embodiments, the form, fill and seal machines may includea fitment applicator station, a fitment applicator, a fitment heaterassembly and a sealing jaw constructed and arranged to transfer andapply a fitment to a container. The individual components of the form,fill and seal machines described herein are simplified and streamlinedover convention form, fill and seal machines to provide a positivetransfer of fitments from a vibratory track to being applied to aplastic film that forms a pouch. This provides better reliability andquality seal of the fitment to the pouch.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C, asealing jaw 10 in an embodiment of the present disclosure isillustrated. Sealing jaw 10 includes a first jaw support 20 and a secondjaw support 30. First jaw support 20 and second jaw support areconstructed and arranged to move toward and away from each other duringoperation. First jaw support 20 and second jaw support 30 can be used toform a side seam (e.g., seal) on a pouch or bag. Sealing jaw 10 iscapable of creating a sufficiently thick sealing surface and has limitedmovement when pressed together (e.g., self aligning), which creates moreconsistent straight line or horizontal seals.

First jaw support 20 includes a first jaw housing 22 that contains oneor more shoulder bolts 24 (e.g., an upper bolt and a lower bolt) witheach shoulder bolt 24 attached to a spring 26. Each spring 26 isattached to seals 28. Seals 28 can be, for example, quad rings made froma silicon rubber. Seals 28 can run along the entire length of first jawhousing 22. As seen in FIGS. 2A-2C, first jaw support 20 moves towardsecond jaw support 30. This enables seals 28 positioned within first jawhousing 22 to contact an end of second jaw support 30. Seals 28 compresssprings 26 so that seals 28 move back into first jaw housing 22. In thisregard, a tight seal can be formed between seals 28 and the end ofsecond jaw support 30.

First jaw housing 22 also contains a compression element 44 that isconstructed and arranged at or near an end of first jaw housing 22. Forexample, compression element 44 can be positioned within a passage orholder 52 in first jaw housing 22. Compression element 44 can be anysuitable material such as, for example, a rubber or other suitablepolymeric material that is capable of being exposed to high heat withoutsignificantly distorting.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, compression element 44 is aback-up rubber that has a rounded crown shape portion 46 and a flat side48. Compression element 44 further has one or more catches 50 so that itremains firmly within passage 52. Compression element 44 also contains apoint or pointed edge 54 on an exposed surface or side 58 that is usedto separate sheets of film to produce edges of a pouch or container.

Second jaw support 30 includes a second jaw housing 32. Second jawhousing 22 also contains a heating element 40 to heat an end of secondjaw housing 32 where heating element 40 is located. Heating element 40can be manually or automatically controlled to heat the end of secondjaw housing 32 to any suitable temperature.

Either one or both of the first jaw support 20 and second jaw support 30can move toward each other to heat compress, for example, two or moresheets of film together to form a seam (e.g., seal) with sheets of filmplaced between first jaw support 20 and second jaw support 30. The seamcan form the side edges of the container formed by the film and besufficiently strong to retain liquid with the container. In analternative embodiment, one jaw support can move while the opposing jawsupport remains stationary.

In an operational embodiment, two sheets of separated film are placedbetween first jaw support 20 and second jaw support 30. First jawsupport 20 and second jaw support 30 move toward each other therebycompressing the sheets of film between seals 28 and the end of secondjaw support 30. Upper and lower seals 28 pressing against second jawhousing 32 hold the sheets of film of the pouch or bag in the desiredposition while compression element 44 presses the sheets of film intoheating element 40. More specifically, as the pressure causes seals 28to compress springs 26 against bolts 24, compression element 44 contactsthe sheets of film and presses the sheets against heating element 40 ofsecond jaw housing 32. Heating element 40 is sufficiently heated tocause the two sheets of film to be permanently or releasably attached toeach other at the newly formed seam.

It should be noted that exposed side 58 of compression element 44 is thesurface that contacts the sheets of film and pushes the sheets of filminto heating element 40. In this regard, exposed side 58 assists ingenerating seal seams that are approximately straight along the edges ofthe sealed films. The width of compression element 44 from its edge topointed edge 54 can represent the thickness of the seam formed on theedge of the film and can be any suitable width. Point edge 54 ofcompression element 44 assists in cutting the sheets of film to formseparated container edges having seams.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D and FIG. 5, a fitment heater block assembly100 in an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Fitmentheater block assembly 100 includes a fitment heater block 102 thatdefines one or more passages 110 for housing one or more heatingcartridges (not shown). The heating cartridges can be any suitableheating device that is capable of heating up fitment heater block 100 toa desired temperature. Fitment heater block 102 also comprises one ormore passages 120 for housing one or more temperature probes orthermocouples. FIG. 6 illustrates a suitable temperature probe orthermocouple 150.

As shown in FIGS. 4C-4D, the one or more temperature probes can becontained within a temperature probe housing 122 to protect thetemperature probes. Temperature probe housing 122 can be positioned inplace by an upper clamping bracket 130 and a lower clamping bracket 140.Upper clamping bracket 130 can be used to hold the temperature probes ortemperature probe housing 122 stationary in conjunction with lowerclamping bracket 140.

As seen in FIGS. 4C-4D, lower clamping bracket 130 can be attached tofitment heater block assembly 100 using any suitable fasteningmechanisms such as bolts 142. Upper clamping bracket 130 can bepositioned over temperature probe housing 122 and attached to fitmentheater block assembly 100 using any suitable fastening mechanisms suchas a bolt 136. For example, upper clamping bracket 130 and lowerclamping bracket 140 can define one or more passages 132 for bolts toattach clamping brackets 130 and 140 securely to fitment heater blockassembly 100. upper clamping bracket 130 and lower clamping bracket 140can also define an arced portion 134 so that the temperature probes canfit besides upper clamping bracket 130 and lower clamping bracket 140 asthe temperature probes are positioned in fitment heater block 102.

Failure of thermocouple wiring in conventional fill, form and sealdevices typically leads to down time of 6 or more hours. The use ofupper clamping bracket 130 and lower clamping bracket 140 in conjunctionwith fitment heater block 100 and the temperature probes and heatingcartridges have been shown to reduce breaking or failure of standardthermocouple wiring in conventional fill, form and seal devices. Thissaves operating costs and increases operational efficiency of the fill,form and seal devices by reducing the amount of down time spentrepairing the thermocouple.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 5, fitment heater block 102 can includean extended portion 160. Extended portion 160 can be in the shape ofring or a bulls-eye. For example, the center of the ring can berecessed. Extended portion 160 of fitment heater block 102 contacts aside of a film during a fitment placement operation.

FIGS. 7-14 illustrate various components of a fitment transfer assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates a fitment transfer framework or housing 202 for afitment applicator station 300 shown in FIG. 8 in an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Fitment applicator station includes an applicatorplate 310 and one or more bushings 312 attached to applicator plate 310.Bushings 312 can be used to so that applicator plate 310 remains firmlyand securely attached to fitment transfer framework or housing 202. Forexample, one or more columns 204 from housing 202 can be positionedthrough corresponding holes 304 in applicator plate 310 and withinbushings 312. Bushings 312 can be attached to applicator plate 310 usingany suitable fastening mechanisms such as one or more bolts 350.

An applicator spacer block 314 is used to support a fitment applicator320 firmly on applicator plate 310. Fitment applicator 320 can beattached to applicator spacer block 314 using any suitable fasteningmechanisms such as one or more bolts 340. Fitment applicator 320includes an applicator head plate 322. Applicator head plate 322 can beattached to fitment applicator 320 by one or more fastening mechanismssuch as pins or screws 342.

As further shown in FIGS. 8-9, an applicator head 324 is attached toapplicator head plate 322. Applicator head cap 326 is attached toapplicator head 324. An applicator head washer 328 can be insertedbetween applicator head cap 326 and applicator head 320 to provide anair-tight seal.

Applicator head plate 322 can define a passage 332 that can be attachedto a vacuum tube that is part of a vacuum assembly (not shown).Applicator head cap 326 can be constructed and arranged to match an endof a fitment that will be suctioned into applicator head 324 via thevacuum assembly. Applicator 324 can further be attached to a fiber opticdevice 330 that is used to detector whether a fitment is attached toapplicator head 324.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a fitment indexer 400 in an embodiment of thepresent disclosure is illustrated. Fitment indexer 400 transports afitment 402 from an initial fitment holder or storage device to fitmentapplicator station 300. Fitment indexer includes a vertical positioningstand 410. Vertical positioning stand 410 can have any suitablearrangement to provide a solid and stable structural support for fitmentindexer 400.

A horizontal fitment positioning assembly 450 is slidably attached to avertical guided pneumatic actuator device 420 via a vertical slideassembly 430. Horizontal fitment positioning assembly 450 is constructedand arranged to move the fitment axially in a direction that isperpendicular to the movement of vertical slide assembly 430.

Vertical guided pneumatic actuator device 420 is attached to verticalpositioning stand 410. Vertical guided pneumatic actuator device 420 canbe attached to vertical positioning stand 410 using any suitablefastening mechanisms such as one or more bolts or pins 422. Verticalsliding assembly 430 comprises a base or mount that is slidably attachedto vertical guided pneumatic actuator device 420. Vertical slidingassembly 430 is constructed and arranged to move horizontal fitmentpositioning assembly 450 up and down along vertical guided pneumaticactuator device 420 via any suitable mechanism such as, for example, arodless pneumatic cylinder or actuator.

Horizontal fitment positioning assembly 450 can be attached to verticalsliding assembly 430 via an attachment support 440 (see FIG. 12A).Horizontal fitment positioning assembly 450 includes a guided pneumaticactuator assembly 452 attached to attachment support 440. A bracket 454(see FIG. 12B) is attached to guided pneumatic actuator assembly 452that moves via a pneumatic cylinder or actuator. Bracket 454 is attachedto guided pneumatic actuator assembly 452 using any suitable fasteningmechanisms such as one or more bolts or pins 456. A vacuum nozzle 462 isattached to an end of bracket 454.

As shown in FIGS. 10-11, a pick-up pin nipple 460 is attached to vacuumnozzle 462. Vacuum nozzle 462 is constructed and arranged to provide avacuum through pick-up pin nipple 460. Pick-up pin nipple 460 inconjunction with vacuum nozzle 462 to pick up and hold fitment 402 ontothe end of pick-up pin nipple 460 as fitment 402 is transported all theway from the fitment storage location to fitment applicator station 300.

As previously discussed, any suitable mounting assembly can be used tohold fitment indexer 400 in place including vertical positioning stand410. The mounting assembly can include any suitable configuration forproviding a secure foundation for fitment indexers in embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-14, a feed conveyor system 600 (e.g.,vibratory) in an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.Feed conveyor system 600 includes a support frame 610. A fitment railassembly 620 is attached to support frame 610 using any suitablefastening mechanisms such as one or more bolts or pins 660. Fitment railassembly 620 can be made of a first elongated rail 622, a secondelongated rail 624, a third elongated rail 626, a fourth elongated rail628 and a rail end guide 630 that are constructed and arranged to holdone or more fitments 632, for example, in a row along the length offitment rail assembly as shown in FIG. 14.

Feed conveyor system 600 also includes a fitment indexing module 650attached to support frame 610. Fitment indexing module 650 can beattached to support frame 610 via a guided pneumatic actuator mountingplate 652. Fitment indexing module 650 is also attached to an end offitment rail assembly 620 at or near rail end guide 630.

Fitment indexing module 650 includes an actuator plate 654 defining acurved portion 658 for partially housing a fitment. Fitment indexingmodule 650 includes a pneumatic actuator 656 that is constructed andarranged to move actuator plate 654 up and down or towards and away fromfitment indexing module 650. In this regard, fitment indexing module 650enables a fitment to be exposed to and picked up by pick-up pin nipple460 and vacuum nozzle 462 of fitment indexer 400.

In an embodiment, fitment rail assembly 620 is constructed and arrangedat an angle from support frame 610 in a manner that allows the series offitments 632 contained within fitment rail assembly 620 to move bygravity from the end that is attached to support frame 610 towards theend having rail end guide 630. In another embodiment, fitment railassembly 620 comprises an air or gas outlet 634 that expels air intofitments 632 to assist in pushing fitments 632 toward rail end guide630.

During operation, pneumatic actuator 656 moves actuator plate 654 up sothat curved portion 658 is directly in the pathway of the series offitments 632. One fitment slides into curved portion 658. Pneumaticactuator 656 then moves actuator plate down 654 so that fitment 632aligns with pick-up pin nipple 460 of fitment indexer 400. Fitmentindexer 400 then transports fitment 632 to fitment applicator station300 where it can be placed onto a container.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

1. A jaw support comprising: a jaw housing; at least one bolt, a springattached to the bolt and a seal attached to the spring and housed in thejaw housing; and a compression element.
 2. The jaw support of claim 1,wherein the compression element is a back-up rubber.
 3. The jaw supportof claim 2, wherein the back-up rubber comprises a crown shape having apointed side.
 4. A jaw support comprising: a jaw housing; an upperseries of two or more bolts, a spring attached to each of the bolts anda seal attached to the each of the springs and housed in the jawhousing; a middle series of back-up rubbers attached to the jaw housing;and a lower series of two or more bolts, a spring attached to each ofthe bolts and a seal attached to the each of the springs and housed inthe jaw housing.
 5. The jaw support of claim 4, wherein the back-uprubbers comprise a crown shape having a pointed side.
 6. A sealing jawcomprising: a first jaw support comprising a first jaw housing, at leastone bolt, a spring attached to the bolt and a seal attached to thespring housed in the first jaw housing, and a back-up rubber attached tothe second jaw housing; and a second jaw support comprising a second jawhousing and a heating element attached to the second jaw housing.
 7. Thesealing support of claim 6, wherein the back-up rubber comprises a crownshape having a pointed side.
 8. A fitment heater assembly comprising: afitment heater block; at least one temperature probe; and a clamp soconstructed and arranged to secure the temperature probe onto thefitment heater block.
 9. The fitment heater assembly of claim 8, whereinthe fitment heater block comprises at least one heating cartridge. 10.The fitment heater assembly of claim 8, wherein the fitment heat blockcomprises an extended portion having a bulls-eye shape.
 11. The fitmentheater assembly of claim 8, wherein the temperature probe is housedwithin a temperature probe housing.
 12. A fitment applicator stationcomprising: an applicator plate having at least one bushing; anapplicator spacer block attached to the applicator plate; and a fitmentapplicator attached to the applicator spacer block.
 13. The fitmentapplicator station of claim 12, wherein the fitment applicator comprisesan applicator head plate, an applicator head attached to the applicatorhead plate, and an applicator head cap attached to the applicator head.14. The fitment applicator station of claim 13, wherein a vacuum tube isattached to the applicator head plate.
 15. The fitment applicatorstation of claim 13, wherein a fiber optic device is attached to theapplicator head.
 16. A fitment applicator comprising: an applicator headplate; an applicator head attached to the applicator head plate; and anapplicator head cap attached to the applicator head.
 17. The fitmentapplicator of claim 16, wherein a vacuum tube is attached to theapplicator head plate.
 18. The fitment applicator of claim 16, wherein afiber optic device is attached to the applicator head.
 19. A method ofsealing films, the method comprising: providing a sealing jawcomprising: a first jaw support comprising a first jaw housing, at leastone bolt, a spring attached to the bolt and a seal attached to thespring housed in the first jaw housing, and a back-up rubber attached tothe second jaw housing; and a second jaw support comprising a second jawhousing and a heating element attached to the second jaw housing;inserting at least two films between the first jaw support and thesecond jaw support; and pressing the first jaw support against thesecond jaw support to form a seal between the two films.
 20. The methodof claim 19, wherein the second jaw support is sufficiently heated bythe heating element to weld the two films together.
 21. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the back-up rubber comprises a crown shape having apointed side.
 22. A method of applying a fitment to a film, the methodcomprising: providing a fitment applicator station comprising anapplicator plate having at least one bushing, an applicator spacer blockattached to the applicator plate, and a fitment applicator attached tothe applicator spacer block, the fitment applicator having a fitment;providing a fitment heater assembly comprising a fitment heater block,at least one temperature probe, and a clamp so constructed and arrangedto secure the temperature probe; placing a film between the fitmentapplicator station and the fitment heater assembly; and pressing thefitment into the film and the fitment heater block by the fitmentapplicator.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the fitment applicatorcomprises an applicator head plate, an applicator head attached to theapplicator head plate, and an applicator head cap attached to theapplicator head.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein a vacuum tube isattached to the applicator head plate.
 25. The method of claim 23,wherein a fiber optic device is attached to the applicator head.